Elbow examination

Question 1

Introduce your name and confirm patient’s name

Answer 1

Hi I’m Sarah, a doctor working here.

Can I please confirm your name? What would you like me to call you?

Question 2

Explain examination

Answer 2

I’ve been asked to examine your elbow joint today. This will involve me looking at your elbow, having a feel around the elbow and then asking you to complete some movements. During the examination I will be discussing my findings out loud with the examiner. Is this okay with you?

Question 3

Ask for whether there is pain?

Answer 3

Before I begin, are there any painful or tender parts of your body you would like me to be aware of or avoid during the examination?

Question 4

Position patient

Answer 4

Could you please roll up your sleeves/ remove your shift? This will give me the best view of your elbows.

Question 5

Look at the elbow

Answer 5

Look with patient standing and seated. Look at anterior and posterior sides.

Look for:

• Skin changes (rashes)
• Swelling
• Muscle wasting
• Bruising/ lacerations
• Deformities
• Colour
• Scars

Question 6

Feel

Answer 6

Feel:

• Temperature
• Swellings/ fluctuant
• Joints: humerus, olecranon, medial and lateral condyles, radius and ulnar

Question 7

Move

Answer 7

Active: Ask patient to flex, extend and supinate/pronate joint
Passive: Ask patient to relax completely while you move joint

Question 8

Neuro

Answer 8

Assess: Tone, Power, Sensation in upper arm

Question 9

Vascular

Answer 9

Assess: Capillary refill, radial and brachial pulse, colour of limb

Question 10

Completion statement

Answer 10

To complete my assessment I would like to:

• Assess both limbs to compare findings
• Assess the joint above and below
• Take a full history